Snow Patrol singer Gary feels honoured to receive degree

He says Dundee was where the group was formed 24 years ago

Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody showed graduation was far from the Final Straw for students collecting their degrees after returning to Dundee yesterday

The Chocolate singer was in the city to collect an honorary degree from Dundee University, almost 20 years after earning his first degree.

Lightbody, who met his bandmates at the university on the first day of fresher’s week in 1994, joined hundreds of other graduates on the final day of ceremonies for the 2018 academic year.

It is the second time this month the Northern Irish musician has visited, after he and fellow Patrolers’ Johnny McDaid and Nathan Connolly played an intimate show at city venue Church.

Lightbody said the city held a special place in his heart, hailing its waterfront transformation.

He said: “I feel very honoured to be awarded this honorary degree.

“I love Dundee, the city has given us a lot. We formed here on the first day of freshers’ week in 1994.

“We had our first gig here and I met Tom Simpson, who is from Dundee, when we formed the band.

“It is bringing back a lot of memories, being back in the city.

“There are obviously some new things, like the V&A, which is looking great. Dundee is looking great.

“It is amazing to see the buildings which have sprouted up in the last 20 years and still have memories flooding in. Dundee has always been very much in our hearts and we are very proud to have a connection with it.” During yesterday’s ceremony, the university choir sang a rousing rendition of one of Snow Patrol’s best selling songs Chasing Cars.

The final day of summer graduations saw two students named as recipients of the university’s prestigious Wimberly Award. Charlie Kleboe-Rogers and Matilda Sherwood were awarded the accolade, given to the student or students who have made the most distinguished contribution to university life.

Charlie served as student president for Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Matilda was chairwoman of the Student Representative Council.

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Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Graduates celebrate receiving their degrees at yesterday’s ceremony.

Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, above, and Steven Beattie with daughters Nuala and Marlie, left.

Brogan Caddis, Olivia Cannon, and Hannah Gray, MA Honours Education.

Darren Paterson and Rachel Robertson, above, and Chris and Ben Neighbours from East Wemyss jump for joy.